2010 Fair Play Charter by Newcastle Minisoccer League

Fair Play Charter Players Play by the rules. Never argue or use foul language towards an official. If you disagree discuss your concerns with your coach or manager during a break. Control your temper. Do not use verbal abuse, provoke or deliberately distract opponents. Be a good sport. Applaud all good players whether in your team or opposition. Treat others as you would like to be treated, do not interfere, bully or take unfair advantage of other players. Co-operate with your coach team mates and opponents. Without them there is no competition. Don’t let isolated incidents of unsporting behaviour become a focus point. Try to stay positive.

Parents/ Guardians

Encourage young people to participate. Focus on young peoples’ efforts rather than the outcome. Encourage young people to play by the rules. Never ridicule or berate a young person for making a mistake or losing a game. Remember that young people learn from adults– applaud good behaviour and sportsmanship from all teams. If you have a concern challenge this is an appropriate manner. Support all efforts to remove physical and verbal abuse from sporting activities. Please recognise the value and importance of all volunteer coaches, managers and referees. They give their time and effort in providing recreational activities for young people and deserve your support.

Spectators Young people play football for fun, not primarily for the entertainment of spectators, nor are they mini professionals. Applaud good performance from each team regardless of the outcome of the match. Respect the officials’ decision. If there is a disagreement, raise your concerns at an appropriate time following procedures in a polite manner. Encourage young people to do likewise. Never ridicule or scold a young person for making a mistake. Do not be involved with violence of any kind, be it by spectators, coaches’ officials or players. Remember you provide a role model for young people Show respect for your teams’ opponents. Without them there would be no game. Encourage players to follow the rules and the officials’ decisions. Behave appropriately. Do not use foul language.

Coaches/Trainers

Be reasonable in your demands on young players. Teach your team to play by the rules. Set your team realistic targets so they feel they are achieving. Try to promote good sportsmanship and the importance of teamwork and having fun rather than the need to win. Never ridicule yell or treat a young person in a way that you would not like to be treat. Ensure that you consider the welfare of young people to be paramount in all circumstances. Ensure that your environment, equipment and facilities are safe and fit for purpose. Develop respect for opponents and the judgment of any official and opposing coaches– raise any concerns in line with protest procedures. Follow advice from appointed medical persons when determining if a player is match ready. Make a personal commitment to update knowledge about sound coaching principles.

Any Coach or Trainer found to be in breach of the Fair Play Charter could face a fine, suspension or expulsion from operating in the League

Playing Fair We are committed to ensuring a positive experience for all involved in the NML and this charter will bind all clubs entering the league. Clubs found to be in Breach of the Fair Play Charter will be considered to have brought the league into Disrepute, will be reported to the Northumberland Football Association. The Management Committee has the right to apply the following charges for any misconduct charges against clubs: • Fine • Suspension • Points deducted • Fixtures suspended • Withdrawn from competition • Expelled from League

Discriminatory Behaviour The NML operates a Zero tolerance policy in relation to discriminatory behaviour. Any Incidents will be taken very seriously by the NML and may result in disqualification.

Safeguarding Children & Young people The NML recognise that the Childs’ welfare is paramount and recommend that all clubs adopt a safeguarding/child protection Policy. The NML recommend that all clubs appoint a Child Welfare office and that appointed person is the key liaison for all child protection issues and attend the appropriate FA training. The NML will only speak with the named child welfare officer regarding any welfare issues. The NML recommend that all people in contact with young people in a position of trust obtain an Enhanced Criminal Records Bureau Disclosure. The NML are committed to operating safe working practices and will report any allegations to the appropriate authorities. Should you need any guidance on dealing with child protection issues it is recommended that you contact the:

FA– NSPCC Child protection Line: 0808 800 500